Meet Amber Fairbanks — co-founder of Banks & Leaf, a creative event studio she launched with her best friend and business partner, Gabby Greenleaf. With over 25 years of combined experience, Amber and Gabby bring bold vision, heartfelt intention, and personalized polish to every gathering they touch. Together, they’re redefining what luxury means in the world of events: less about perfection, more about personality. Whether she’s styling a moody fall dinner or serving fries on silver trays at her own birthday, Amber believes joy is in the details — and she brings that same energy to the way she hosts at home.

Q: When planning a gathering in your home, where do you start? The menu, the décor, the occasion, or the theme?

A: I always start with the occasion. A curated playlist fitting to the vibe of the event is going before the first guest arrives, with drink options on display to offer right away. If kids are coming, I always have some fun activity set up or a playful drink or snack ready to give them immediately to help them adjust to what could be an overwhelming setting.

Candles are lit, and I always place a cheese board somewhere that isn’t the kitchen, usually in a location guests might not naturally gravitate toward. If everything is in the kitchen, people tend to linger in that one spot. I love displaying snacks and drinks in other rooms so guests know those spaces are welcome too.

There’s an ease to this approach that feels intentional without being controlling. It’s about guiding the energy of a gathering without announcing it.

Q: If you had a limited budget for a small dinner party, what would you focus on for the tablescape?

A: Candles I already have, grocery store flowers, and pulling the pretty pieces from my own cabinets. Soft lighting, candles, and good music can really make a table feel cozy and inviting, even if you don’t have a lot to put out.

This is the kind of reminder every host needs. Ambience does more work than almost anything else.

Q: What makes a great gathering memorable?

A: The host being present and making time to talk with each guest goes a long way. When that happens, even if timing is off or every detail isn’t perfect, walking away feeling truly welcomed is something I never forget.

Presence over perfection is a recurring theme here, and it’s one worth repeating.

Q: What advice would you give someone feeling overwhelmed about hosting friends at home?

A: Start small. An intimate gathering with small bites and drinks is much more approachable than a full sit-down dinner party. Asking guests to bring a few things helps relieve pressure too.

Prepping the day before is a lifesaver. I always set the table, arrange flowers, prep food, and straighten up the house ahead of time. That way, the day of hosting I can actually relax and enjoy the people coming.

Q: What’s your signature recipe or go-to thing to serve when hosting?

A: I almost never host without a big charcuterie board with lots of cheese, meat, fruit, bread, and dips, plus some bubbly. In the winter, a sit-down dinner party with a big hearty soup is such a crowd pleaser. I made a chicken gumbo with a large batch of rice recently and it was so easy, but felt unique and comforting on a cold night.

Q: What’s your go-to soundtrack for a dinner party?

A: We usually go a bit extra and make our own playlist for almost every party on Spotify. For a summer backyard party, it’s a lot of bluegrass or old classics like The Drifters, anything nostalgic and good for sing-alongs.

I recently hosted a fall gathering with a witchy, moody ambience and made a playlist with lots of Lana Del Rey and music from the movie Practical Magic. Matching the music to the mood is so important.

Q: What’s your favorite hosting trick?

A: Using Partytrick, duh. And also having a lit candle and matches in the bathroom, plus chilled bubbly water out where guests can see it, so they don’t feel like they have to ask.

Quiet hospitality is often the most thoughtful kind.

Q: What’s the most memorable gathering you’ve hosted or attended?

A: My own birthday party. I never throw myself a birthday party, so it was very out of character, but no regrets. I kept the guest list small, served french fries and chicken fingers on silver trays with champagne, and had a vintage piped cake and cheesecake for dessert.

Throughout the night, I shared how I met each guest and why they’re special to me. And my best friend Gabby, who couldn’t be there, sent a surprise a cappella group to sing for us. It was so cool and such a fun addition. Moral of the story: throw yourself a birthday party someday. You might just love it.

Q: What products or brands do you love to use when hosting?

A: Trader Joe's cheese selection and flowers! So affordable and easy.

To keep up with Amber’s personal hosting style, creative events, and thoughtful entertaining tips, follow her on Instagram at @banksandleaf or visit Banks & Leaf to explore her latest work. If you're feeling inspired to host your own gathering, sign up for a free Partytrick account to explore curated templates, expert tips, and everything you need to bring your next event to life.

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